With the season well underway at this point MNHS Dance Team Online has been making rounds to visit teams in progress and check in on what's going on around the state at this time of year. Everywhere I look teams are scrambling to learn new choreography, order and size gear, fit costumes, and acquaint new members with the heightened intensity of winter dance team. Today we're dropping in on Fridley (AA) to see what they are up to this year....
Coach Erin: So, tell me about your invitational this year, I seem to recall Fridley having a long history of hosting.
Fridley Coaches: This year's theme is "Dream Believe Dance" and we're looking like we'll have more teams than ever including some AAA teams which we've had to cancel in the past, but not this year!
Erin: Is this a good fundraiser for you then? Does your school allow you to keep the profits?
Fridley: Yup, we pay for just about everything having an invitational. Costumes, coaches salaries, music editing, state and sections hotels, things like that.
Erin: What are you looking forward to the most this year? Anything new and improved about the Fridley team?
Fridley: We're looking forward to competitions coming up, we'll be at Burnsville, Apple Valley, Fridley (of course), Waconia, and Moundsview for invitationals along with North Suburban Conference meets. The team has improved tremendously in the level of skill coming in the door as well as in general confidence. Last year state was a "maybe someday" but now its more like they want it and know it really can be real.
Erin: That must be a nice change coming from years of not making state. Is that a goal again this year? With the departure of Rogers for AAA there is some breathing room in your section.
Fridley: This year we'd like to qualify in both divisions for state, and aim high for placements there and in the difficult North Suburban conference.
Erin: So Fridley is known as a town to be "Friendly Fridley" is that true for your team? I see you guys have lots of teams you're friends with at competition - how about at home?
Fridley: We're proud of the fact that we don't have grade cliques and in-fighting with our team. We have 5 seniors and several captains at every level that help keep the group cohesive. We also always have 7-12 grades on the team and never cut anyone from being at least on the JV. That brings a strong unified group every year.
It was awesome to catch up with this amazing up and coming team who should be full of energy and surprises for this year - check out some pictures of their practice and from last year's competitions.
Want to be a featured team? Let me know! mnhsdanceteam@gmail.com
State 2011 Kick
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